SUNY Plattsburgh Center for Earth and Environmental Science Student Work
Recent Submissions
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The Hidden Ecosystem: the Microbial World of Red-Backed SalamandersEach organism has a complex microbiota that protects the organism from pathogenic microbes, while simultaneously occupying residency on the surface of the host. There are several factors that can contribute to microbial diversity, such as anthropogenic, abiotic, and biotic factors within their habitat. Red-backed salamanders (Plethodon cinereus) are found across the northeastern US in a variety of different habitats. We aimed to collect and culture salamander epidermal microbes along an urbanization gradient (Point au Roche State Park, Rugar Woods, and the Paul Smiths VIC- control and 2-aged silviculture stand) to evaluate microbial diversity patterns. At each site, 15 salamanders were located under microhabitat (e.g., rocks, logs, leaf litter), weighed, and measured before swabbing dorsoventral surfaces. Swabs were streaked across plates and were allowed to grow at ambient temperatures for a week. Morphotype diversity was calculated based on the richness and abundance of colonies on plates across sites. Samples of both common and unique morphotypes were sent off for sequencing. Salamanders were more commonly found under rocks at Rugar Woods as compared to all other sites respectively. Additionally, red-backed salamanders at Point au Roche were notably larger than Paul Smiths VIC and Rugar Woods. Bacterial morphotype richness was greatest and least at Rugar Woods (urban) and Point au Roche State Park (agriculture), respectively. Findings at Rugar Woods suggest that rocky substrate may support greater microbial richness as compared to coarse woody debris. Common salamander bacteria include Microbacterium liquefaciens, Pseudomonas moraviensis, Chryseobacterium scophthalmum, and Stenotrophomonas rhizophilia all species associated with soil, water, and plant rhizosphere. Chryseobacterium scophthalmum is associated with amphibian disease and S. rhizophilia is known to possess anti-chytrid and other antifungal properties. Our research sheds light on how landscape management, specifically understory conditions and complexity, can influence salamander condition and microbial diversity and potentially influence disease risk within the herpetofaunal community.
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Let's Get Batty! A Survey of Bat Species Composition in a Globally Rare Pine Barrens EcosystemHabitat loss, climate change, and disease have all contributed to the statewide decline in bat populations. Acoustic surveys are the least invasive method to determine bat community composition across the landscape. Acoustic mobile transects and stationary surveys were performed at three sites within the Altona Flat Rock, a globally rare sandstone pavement jack pine barrens in the fall of 2024. These sites were within the 2018 burn area, in an adjacent wildfire recovered (1957) jack pine (Pinus banksiana) stand, and in a mixed forest near the abandoned Million Dollar Dam in comparison to sites in agricultural and urban (SUNY Plattsburgh campus, City Marina) areas. We hypothesized that species richness would be higher in the 2018 burn site due to more open overstory and with close proximity to the wetland where insects should be more prevalent. Our results did not support this hypothesis with species richness being greatest at the Flat Rock forested dam (9). The Flat Rock burned site had a species richness of 6, and SUNY Plattsburgh campus had a species richness of 5. The Flat Rock unburned, or recovered site, City Marina and agricultural sites had the lowest species richness (4). In total, all nine native species were detected during our surveys, with the hoary and silver-haired bat being detected across all sites. Notably, we potentially detected two endangered species: the northern long-eared bat (Myotis septentrionalis) and the Indiana bat (Myotis sodalis), and a proposed endangered species, the tricolored bat (Perimyotis subflavus). We also found community similarity between the Flat Rock burned and Flat Rock forested dam, Flat Rock burned and City Marina, and Flat Rock burned and agricultural sites were the most similar (80%). Our results suggest that bats prefer more complex habitats like the Flat Rock forested dam. New York state is working to increase bat survey efforts by engaging citizen scientists. We plan to share our findings with local agencies and the New York State Natural Heritage Program to aid their efforts to map and conserve bat communities in unique habitats.
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Woodn't You Know: Beaver (Castor canadensis) Foraging PreferenceBeavers (Castor canadensis) have been defined as ecosystem engineers, playing keystone roles in wetlands including bolstering flood resiliency, storing water storage during drought, nutrient retention, and habitat creation for aquatic and terrestrial species. Much of what we understand about beaver foraging preference centers around central place foraging theory with the lodge as a safe refugia from predation risk. The selective browsing behavior of beavers shifts forest successional trajectories and increases local biodiversity. We wanted to evaluate foraging preference and habits of two beaver populations in sandstone pavement barrens versus a wildlife management area. We hypothesized that beavers would prefer trees that are more abundant and closer to their lodge. In fall 2024, we surveyed beaver ponds at two sites in Clinton County, NY, specifically a wildlife management area (Wickham Marsh) and the Altona Flat Rock sandstone pavement barrens (2018 burn). Using the Survey123 app, we recorded tree species, diameter at breast height, beaver activity (e.g., browsed, partially browsed, unbrowsed), and distance to shoreline and lodge. The average diameter of trees browsed at Wickham Marsh was twice that of the Flat Rock and beavers venture 1.6m farther out from water than at the Flat Rock to harvest. Based on the ecological setting the two different beaver populations had to forage differently, specifically at the Flat Rock beavers were forced to travel farther away from their lodge compared to at Wickham Marsh. This was due to limited availability of trees due to its early successional phase forest compared to Wickham where the forest is in later successional stages. In addition, at the Flat Rock jack pine (Pinus banksiana) trees are mostly avoided, while hardwoods are selected. At Wickham Marsh, the most heavily browsed species are eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis) and green ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica), while white pine (Pinus strobus) and red pine (P. resinosa) are avoided. The largest trees browsed at Wickham Marsh were closest to the lodge, supporting central place theory. Numerous factors drive beaver foraging behaviors and include predation risk, forest composition, deer density, and drought. In the case of the Flat Rock browsed trees were smaller, in part due to low nutrients available on the barrens. Beaver complexes at the Flat Rock are expansive, likely because limited quantity and quality of browse forces them to relocate. Our research is important because it provides land managers better understanding of what a habitat may come to resemble as beavers move about their landscape, which include impacts from deforestation, ponding, and abandonment which can disrupt an entire ecosystem. Our findings demonstrate that beaver wetlands add structural and resource complexity to the ecosystem, creating a patchwork of biodiversity.
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Going Cray Cray with the Crawdaddies: Influences of water quality and site conditions on the diversity and abundance of crayfish communities in northern New YorkFreshwater crayfish are a group of macroinvertebrate omnivores that serve as a prey species for fish and birds. They are under threat with changing climates, and greater research on their distribution patterns across different habitats is needed to establish a necessary conservation strategy. Key factors which determine the presence of crayfish species are water velocity, water quality, over story, and substrate composition. Relatively limited research has successfully established a link between crayfish species and the water quality metrics. We predicted that fewer crayfish species and lesser abundance would be found in the lentic sites. In fall 2024, we placed 5 to 23 minnow and turtle traps in lotic (Little Ausable River) and lentic (Barracks Golf Course) sites for 24 hours. Crayfish captured were examined for parasites, in addition to being weighed and measured. Specimens were photographed, marked on the carapace with a permanent marker, and immediately released. Two species of crayfish were identified, one unique to each site, Faxonius immunis at the lentic ponds and Cambarus robustus at the lotic river. Additionally, greater crayfish abundance occurred at the lentic site. Water quality tests showed similar average pH (7.91, 8.02) and conductivity (198, 210) ranges between the lentic and lotic sites, respectively. Little Ausable River trapping site velocities ranged between 42.5 m3/s to 1.181 m3/s, which likely affected the crayfish population. Crayfish were on average smaller at the lentic versus the lotic sites, potentially as a function of predation, water quality, and available resources. By establishing a better understanding of the distribution of crayfish types of wetlands, more effective conservation strategies can be implemented for declining native species in North America.
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The Un-frog-ettable Microhabitats of Northeastern Amphibians: Rural to Urban GradientsAmphibians have been the subject of global decline for decades. There are many factors contributing to their decline, one of which is urbanization and the side effects resulting from it, such as habitat fragmentation and pollution. Habitat fragmentation resulting from land-use changes such as silviculture, agriculture, and urbanization impact forest structure and resource availability for herpetofauna. Notably, factors like soil pH, moisture, as well as the abundance of coarse woody debris (CWD) and rocky microhabitats, can undergo significant changes with these stand and landscape-level disturbances. In Fall 2024, we examined four sites along a landcover gradient (e.g., Urban- Rugar Woods, Agriculture- Riley Brook, and Forested-Control and Silviculture- Paul Smiths VIC). We found that the site with the least amount of disturbance/management and farthest from urban sprawl had the highest amphibian abundance and diversity, with 5 different species represented over a total of 47 individuals. Site-specific unique species include northern dusky salamanders (Desmognathus fuscus) at the agriculture-Riley Brook, an American toad (Bufo a. americanus) at the Forest-Paul Smiths silviculture, and a four-toed salamander (Hemidactylium scutatum) at the Forest-Paul Smiths control site. Red-backed salamanders (Plethodon cinereus) were the most abundant species found, and were observed in all sites, excepting for agriculture. Due to the abundance of red-backed salamanders, we were able to compare differences in morphological data, the lengths (cm) and weights (g). Although there was no significant difference in length, urban red-backed salamanders were heavier than at other sites. We found no significant difference in microhabitat temperatures across site or type (e.g., CWD, rock, grass), but amphibians preferred log cover to any other microhabitat in all sites but Rugar Woods. We calculated the Sorensen similarity index to assess species composition similarities and further examine the impact of environmental changes on biodiversity across sites. With the addition of this research, we aim to gain a deeper understanding of the habitat preferences, site characteristics and requirements of amphibians, information that is crucial for guiding effective conservation efforts and mitigating biodiversity loss.
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Natures Chorus: Determining Avian Richness across Microhabitats using AudioMothsBird surveys are commonly actively performed using point count techniques; however, more recently, passive acoustics have become a complementary method to evaluate species richness and trends across microhabitats. Traditional methods like point counts may lead to biases in data records depending on the researcher's experience level. Autonomous recording devices (ARU), such as AudioMoths, are an affordable method for those studying avifauna to add to their toolbox. Confidence in rare species identification may increase by being able to leave AudioMoths out for a longer duration than feasible with traditional point counts and the ease with which artificial intelligence program workflows can attempt species confirmation. In the fall of 2024, we performed both passive (ARU) and active (point count) avifauna surveys across three microhabitats (e.g., wetland, forest, meadow) at Point au Roche State Park. Our active surveying method used binoculars and Merlin Bird ID to help identify species for three-10-minute intervals during each visit. Our passive surveying method used AudioMoths to record vocalizations deployed for seven days, recording during peak hours from 20:00-8:00. BirdNet-Analyzer was used to identify vocalizations from audio files. Species richness was greatest in the meadow (51) and wetland (47) and least in the forest (27). Merlin Bird ID recorded black-capped chickadee (Poecile atricapillus), Canada goose (Branta canadensis), northern cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis), blue jay (Cyanocitta cristata), and downy woodpeckers (Picoides pubescens) across the sites. The American crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos) and barred owl (Strix varia) called abundantly at the wetland (43%) and the meadow (36%) sites, while the forest site was more limited. Avian community similarity was greatest between the wetland and meadow (64%) microhabitats. Other notable species observed are stripe-faced meadow katydid (Orchelimum concinnum), wood frog (Lithobates sylvaticus), and spring peeper (Pseudacris crucifer). We highlight the importance of conducting active and passive surveying across multiple habitats to more adequately capture rare species that might be difficult to capture with shorter survey durations.
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Frog Phonics: Capturing the Chorus of Vernal Pools with AudioMothsBird surveys are commonly actively performed using point count techniques; however, more recently, passive acoustics have become a complementary method to evaluate species richness and trends across microhabitats. Traditional methods like point counts may lead to biases in data records depending on the researcher's experience level. Autonomous recording devices (ARU), such as AudioMoths, are an affordable method for those studying avifauna to add to their toolbox. Confidence in rare species identification may increase by being able to leave AudioMoths out for a longer duration than feasible with traditional point counts and the ease with which artificial intelligence program workflows can attempt species confirmation. In the fall of 2024, we performed both passive (ARU) and active (point count) avifauna surveys across three microhabitats (e.g., wetland, forest, meadow) at Point au Roche State Park. Our active surveying method used binoculars and Merlin Bird ID to help identify species for three-10-minute intervals during each visit. Our passive surveying method used AudioMoths to record vocalizations deployed for seven days, recording during peak hours from 20:00-8:00. BirdNet-Analyzer was used to identify vocalizations from audio files. Species richness was greatest in the meadow (51) and wetland (47) and least in the forest (27). Merlin Bird ID recorded black-capped chickadee (Poecile atricapillus), Canada goose (Branta canadensis), northern cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis), blue jay (Cyanocitta cristata), and downy woodpeckers (Picoides pubescens) across the sites. The American crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos) and barred owl (Strix varia) called abundantly at the wetland (43%) and the meadow (36%) sites, while the forest site was more limited. Avian community similarity was greatest between the wetland and meadow (64%) microhabitats. Other notable species observed are stripe-faced meadow katydid (Orchelimum concinnum), wood frog (Lithobates sylvaticus), and spring peeper (Pseudacris crucifer). We highlight the importance of conducting active and passive surveying across multiple habitats to more adequately capture rare species that might be difficult to capture with shorter survey durations.
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Picta outta those traps: Looking at painted turtle ( Chrysemys picta ) populations along an urban to rural gradientUrbanization can affect wildlife populations in the form of road mortality, habitat degradation, and spatio-temporal behavioral shifts. Understanding how wildlife populations respond to these effects can help us manage and protect them. We studied painted turtles (Chrysemys picta) to determine how urbanization impacts their population structure, including abundance, age structure, and sex ratio. This project is in collaboration with the Ecological Research as Education Network (EREN) and guided by TurtlePop 2.0. We hypothesized that painted turtles would be more abundant in a rural setting over an urban setting due to better habitat quality. We predicted that there would be more female turtles in urban areas due to warmer temperatures driven by an urban environment and that there would be more juvenile turtles in the rural site due to less mesopredators. To evaluate urbanization, we monitored turtles along a gradient from rural at Deep Bay Pond located in Point Au Roche State Park to urban at the Barracks golf course pond complex in the City of Plattsburgh, NY. Turtles were captured using 10 baited crab hoop traps at each site over a 3-day capture session, visiting urban site 5 times and the rural site 4 times each in fall 2024. Captured turtles were measured in size, estimated in age and sex, notched with a unique three-letter code for mark recapture estimates, and released. We calculated and compared turtle abundance between sites and over time. In addition, we monitored water quality (e.g., pH, conductivity, pond and ambient temperatures), as well as pond size and basking site availability. The urban site had three more females than the rural site, as predicted and both sites had a higher proportion of males to females. Contrary to our prediction, the urban site had more juveniles than the rural site, with only one more juvenile at that site. Both sites had the same number of adults, but the urban site had more females to males with 8 females and 18 males. The rural site had 5 females and 21 males. The urban site had more females which supported our hypothesis, however, it also had one more juvenile than the rural site, refuting our hypothesis. All ponds had a slightly basic pH around 8. Temperature was slightly colder at the rural site, likely due to the larger size and connection to Lake Champlain. Conductivity was above 200 S/m in the rural site and urban ponds 5 and 6 while ponds 1, 2, and 4 were around 160 S/m. Basking sites did not seem to impact turtle abundance. The Barracks golf course may want to monitor any use of herbicides or fertilizers near the ponds while Point au Roche State Park may want to limit salting the road by the pond to reduce pollutants in the pond. Both urban and rural ponds are important habitats for painted turtles and other wildlife. Monitoring age and sex structure is important to assure that the population can successfully recruit and grow. Our study can be used to inform wetland management by highlighting the unique challenges that freshwater turtles face in both urban and rural settings.
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Burns, Buckets, and Traps: Assessing Small Mammal Species Richness and Abundance Following Wildfires in a Northern New York Jack Pine BarrenWildfires have a significant impact on ecosystems and wildlife populations across the world. The Altona Flat Rock is a rare sandstone barren ecosystem dominated by fire-dependent jack pine (Pinus banksiana) and has a sporadic history of burns with the most recent occurring in 2018. This recent fire has significantly altered the ecosystem structure and resource availability, affecting the small mammal community, as well as contributing to higher-level trophic implications ecosystem-wide. Our goal was to collect data on the small mammal species richness and abundance between the recent 2018 burn site, a relatively older 1957 burn site, and a nearby mixed deciduous forest using both Sherman traps and bucket camera traps. We predicted to find more diversity in small mammals at the mixed deciduous forest site and with the bucket camera traps. Data was collected by setting Sherman traps overnight along transects at each site and identifying, weighing, measuring, and determining the sex of all individuals caught before releasing them. Bucket camera data was captured using a motion triggered game camera and analyzed by determining the lowest number of individuals that visited each night. According to the Sherman trapping data, the mixed-deciduous forest and 2018 site had the lowest species diversity (S=2) compared to the older 1957 burn site (S=4), however in field observations and camera bucket data shows that species diversity is likely greatest in the mixed deciduous site (S=5). Long-term data in the 2018 and 1957 burn sites indicate potential shifts in the small mammal community with 2024 being the most diverse year in the sampling history (S=2 and S=4). Our results illustrate the potential recovery of the small mammal community in the 2018 burn site as well as the efficacy of bucket camera methodology for conducting species richness surveys. Results from this study will be helpful for informing future land management practices involving fire, as well as for future research involving sampling small mammals.
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Do you hear what I hear? Soundscapes Along a Gradient of Urbanization in Clinton County, NYSoundscapes are a compilation of sounds emanating from a landscape which creates an acoustic pattern across time and space. Wildlife behaviors are easily influenced by sound and can be reflected in periods of intense vocalization and silence. Urban landscapes are heavily influenced by anthrophony (human-produced sound) which can limit or enhance biophony (wildlife-produced sound). In fall 2024, the Wildlife Ecology and Management class arrayed five autonomous recording devices (AudioMoths) along an urbanization gradient (urban, urban interface, exurban golf course, rural riparia, and forested beaver pond). Audiomoths were programmed to record sound during peak hours of wildlife activity from 17:00-8:00 on two consecutive days during a warm spell. Data were downloaded and BirdNet-Analyzer was used to identify species using artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms associated with eBird. Output files were appended in R Studio and soundscape patterns were analyzed across sites. Biophony richness was highest at the exurban golf course (41), followed by urban (38), beaver pond (20), rural riparia (18), and urban interface (16). The most frequent callers at the urban site were American crow, dogs, squirrels, blue jays, Canada geese, and Carolina wren. At the urban interface, Canada geese, Carolina wren, and northern cardinals were highly vocal. At the exurban golf course, spring peeper, white-throated sparrows, barred owls, American crows, hairy woodpecker, and katydids were heard as compared to the rural riparia's eastern towhees, great-horned owls, and hairy woodpeckers. In contrast, anthrophonic call frequency was high and most similar at the urban (981) and and exurban golf course (891), intermediate at the urban interface (136), followed by the beaver pond (39), and rural riparia (33) with sounds including engines, humans, and power tools. At dawn the urban, exurban golf course, and beaver pond exhibited a high biophonic call frequency, while at dusk urbanized sites experienced extremely high calling rates compared to rural sites. Urban and exurban golf course communities were the most similar (51%), while the urban interface and the beaver pond were the least (22%). Soundscape ecology is a relatively new field that is growing in popularity due to the affordability of sensors and advances in AI. Our class learned that although these technologies have numerous benefits, there is still a need to perform supplemental surveys using traditional techniques or experts should be onboarded to help better identify misidentified calls.
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Adirondack Artificial Ecological PassagesTo enhance road safety for motorists and wildlife in the Adirondack Park, we analyzed deer-vehicle collision data from the New York State Department of Transportation to identify potential locations for artificial ecological passages (AEPs), culverts and bridges specifically designed to allow mammals to cross roads. In the U.S., wildlife-vehicle collisions result in approximately 200 deaths, 26,000 injuries, and $8 billion in damages annually, with New York reporting 65,000 deer-vehicle collisions (DVC) alone. We located the road segments with the greatest number of deer collisions and assessed the characteristics of these road segments and the nearby land cover, using the Annual Average Daily Traffic (AADT) data set and the National Land Cover Database. We examined the potential placement and type of AEPs, factoring in topography, hydrography, and existing structures for passage site selection, favoring infrastructure upgrades over new construction. The twenty road segments with the highest collision rate include sections of Interstate 87, Route 3, and Route 28, as well as areas near Saranac Lake and Old Forge. Increased AADT was positively correlated with the number of DVCs with most DVCs occurring on road segments with speed limits of 25 to 45 mph. Dominant land cover around these road segments is primarily evergreen and deciduous forests. Along these twenty road segments, we were able to locate a number of potential sites for culvert expansion or bridge repurposing and for newly constructed passage structures. Implementing these changes could significantly reduce park collisions, fatalities, and financial losses.
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Pliable Plastics: An Assessment of Microplastic Loads in the Gills and Digestive Tracts of Pelagic Fish in Lake EcosystemsMicroplastics have plagued fish communities since the inception of industrialization, and regulations have not been keeping pace. In the environment, these particles have become ubiquitous and are found in air, soil, and remote lakes. Microplastics are defined as particulates that are less than 5 mm in size and are characterized by type (e.g., fragment, fiber, film, foam, bead, and pellet), color, polymer, and size. Fish uptake particulates via ingestion, gill-filament adhesion, and absorption. These microplastics have the potential to reduce reproduction, feeding, and survival. We conducted a survey of microplastics in fish harvested from ice derbies in Chazy Lake, Chateaugay Lake, and Lake Colby (spring 2024) in northern, NY. We use wet peroxide oxidation to isolate microplastics within digestive tracts and gill filaments and the separated samples by size (e.g., 1 mm, 355 µm, 125 µm). We quantified and characterized particulates under a dissecting microscope. Results show that all particulates (n=476) were fibers. Fish in Upper Chateaugay Lake had 1.81 plastics/g tissue, 4 and 2 times greater than Chazy Lake and Lake Colby respectively which can be explained by the greater surface area of the lake. Additionally, (yellow perch) Perca flavescens contained 3.2 plastics/g tissue, 11 and 7 times greater than that of (lake trout) Salvelinus namaycush and (Atlantic salmon) Salmo salar respectively. This can be explained as a function of bioaccumulation over their lifetime, as most perch were approximately 10 years of age. In addition, yellow perch are visual predators who shift their prey base and foraging microhabitat at different ontogenetic stages helping to explain higher loads. In terms of organs, microplastic loading via ingestion was 0.78 plastics/g of tissue, 23% higher than adhesion to gills (0.62 plastics/g tissue). Anglers should consider microplastic risks if fish are a major dietary component.
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"Deer in the Duff: Does Habitat Impact Deer Activity Patterns? ""Forest communities vary due to patch dynamics resulting from differing successional trajectories following disturbances. The habitat mosaic left behind in the wake of disturbances both biotic (e.g., beaver, forest pests and pathogens) and abiotic (e.g., wildfire, wind, ice storm) can have profound effects on forest structure and composition. These stand-level differences in community composition and age structure can alter browse quantity and quality and limit white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) abundance on a seasonal basis. In fall 2023, we performed a deer pellet count survey to estimate deer density differences across three different forest types 1) recently burned jack pine (Pinus banksiana)-dominated barrens (2018 wildfire), 2) unburned (1957 wildfire since regenerated barrens), and 3) a hardwood forest at the Flat Rock sandstone pavement barrens in Altona, NY. We predicted the highest deer densities would be in the hardwood forest due to the diversity in overstory species and availability of hardwood mast. Concurrent long-term wildlife monitoring surveys across habitats within the Flat Rock offered game camera access in order to compare estimates of techniques in each of the three forest types. Game cameras added behavioral observations of deer diel activity, demographics (e.g., age structure, gender), and abiotic conditions such as temperature and moonphase to our study. Pellet count estimates of deer densities in the hardwood and recently burned stands were 15.88 and 4.76 deer/mi2, respectively. Deer pellets were not detected in the unburned barrens. Game cameras detected three and six times more deer in the hardwood as compared to the burn and unburned stands, providing support for use of pellet count surveys. Behavioral patterns were similar across sites with travel and vigilance being observed more often than browsing. White-tailed deer behavior is largely diurnal at all sites, with additional activity mid-day in the burn, at 6AM and 7PM at the unburn, and 2AM in the hardwood stands. Age structure differed across sites with the unburn having all adult deer and gender ratios of 9.6 and 11:1 adults to juveniles in the burn and hardwood stands, respectively. Average group size was similar across sites ranging from solitary deer in the unburn to average groups of 1.35 and 1.4 deer at the hardwood and burn sites, respectively. Our general habitat-specific deer density estimates were similar for both non-invasive techniques, which provides wildlife managers options that are more cost-effective and less time intensive for surveys across a large study area. White-tailed deer hunting is a major source of revenue in Upstate New York and any efforts to make hunters more efficient at harvest by offering target habitats and times of day are helpful given the lack of top predators available to regulate this abundant resource."
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The influence of different silvicultural practices and soil characteristics on herpetofaunal communities in northern New York"There are many different species of herpetofauna in upstate New York, in part due to our abundance of wetlands. Forested areas with soil rich in organic matter, dense leaf litter, moist soils, and abundant coarse woody debris are particularly suitable. We aimed to compare herpetofaunal communities at two upstate New York sites 1) an experimental forest that underwent a suite of silvicultural practices at the Paul Smiths Visitor’s Interpretive Center (VIC), Franklin County and 2) a managed woodlot (Godwin Woods) in Morrisonville, Clinton County. In fall 2023, we implemented a cover object search of rocks, logs, and coverboards, along riparian habitat at Godwin Woods (Riley Brook) and experimentally manipulated forest patches (FERDA plots) at Jenkins Mountain on the Logger’s Loop trail (Paul Smiths). For each individual, we used ArcGIS Survey123 to georeference, catalog an image, microhabitat, soil type, and metrics such as weight and snout-to-vent length. Soil was sampled from herpetofaunal sites, as well as random points to compare percent moisture and organic carbon, as well as pH differences. Herpetofaunal communities were unique and species richness was low at both sites VIC (S=3) and Godwin Woods (S=2). VIC herpetofauna was dominated by red-backed salamanders (Plethodon cinereus), as well as American toad (Anaxyrus americanus) and spring peepers (Pseudacris crucifer). Godwin Woods herpetofauna were less abundant and consisted of northern dusky (Desmognathus fuscus) and northern two-lined salamanders (Eurycea bislineata). Herpetofauna were most abundant at sites least disturbed (e.g., individual tree cut and control). In addition, the percent soil moisture at herpetofaunal locations at both the VIC and Godwin Woods was greater than those of random control samples. Soil organic carbon at herpetofaunal sites was higher and lower than random sites at the VIC and Godwin Woods, respectively. All soil variables were significantly different across sites and likely influenced herpetofaunal community composition and abundance. Our findings serve as an important reminder to landowners and foresters of the need to consider the consequences of overstory management practices on sensitive understory wildlife species."
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Death in the Fast Lane: Assessing the Variables Surrounding Vehicle Caused Wildlife MortalityRoads segment Earth’s land surface into ~600,000 fragments. This habitat fragmentation leads to, unsurprisingly, frequent collisions with wildlife. Vehicle collisions are second only to legal harvesting in regards to anthropogenic mortality for numerous vertebrate species. In addition to increased mortality, roads can affect local hydrology, sediment and debris transport, water and air chemistry, microclimate and pollution. Variation in speed limits, road characteristics, weather conditions and fragmentation of existing contiguous habitats are expected to influence wildlife mortality. We hypothesized increased speed limits and roads bisecting developed and undeveloped land cover would lead to increased mortality. We used online data gathering application ArcGIS Survey123 to document and catalog instances of vehicle-caused wildlife mortality in Northern New York and Vermont. For 2023, two routes were driven regularly representing primarily forested and agricultural areas respectively. This was combined with a pre-existing dataset containing observations from across the country. Statistical analysis was undertaken in order to determine species distribution as well as how land cover type, speed limit, and road characteristics relate to wildlife mortality. Our study concluded that mammals accounted for the majority of animals killed on roads. Roadkill events occurred primarily in areas of low intensity development and mixed forests. Increased road speed appeared to correlate with increased mortality. Data from our 2023 sampling regimen parallels that of the national dataset. The most frequently found animals were the common raccoon (Procyon lotor), striped skunk (Mephetis mephetis), and Virginia opossum (Didelphis virginiana). This research allows us to see how continued development and habitat fragmentation is directly affecting wildlife populations in areas of human development.
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Bioblitz or Bust: A Biolblitz Survey of Godwin Woods"A bioblitz is a rapid survey of the living species in a given area; therefore, the main purpose of a bioblitz study is to grasp the biodiversity of an ecosystem. Bioblitzes have become a reliable and effective tool used by government agencies, citizen science projects, and other private groups to collect biodiversity inventories in a short period of time. Even schools, colleges,and other institutions conduct these events as a means of stewardship and engagement. During fall 2023, we conducted a bioblitz of Godwin Woods, a privately owned property, in Morrisonville, New York which is bisected by Riley Brook. We predicted the forested microhabitat would have the highest species richness on the property because of the presence of the riparian area. In order to maximize diversity, we surveyed two different microhabitats, specifically a forest and meadow ecotone. At both sites, a variety of capture methods were used, specifically Sherman live traps for small mammals, minnow traps for fish, and two non-invasive survey methods Merlin smartphone app acoustic detection for birds songs and a game camera for large mammals among other taxa. The species richness was 22 species for the forest and 12 species for the meadow ecotone, indicating 47% similarity between communities. Species shared were white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus), mice (Peromyscus sp.), gray squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis), raccoon (Procyon lotor), coyote (Canis latrans), gray fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus), brown creeper (Certhia americana), and American crows (Corvus brachyrhynchos). Certain species that were unique to the meadow ecotone were the northern flying squirrel (Glaucomys sabrinus) and red fox (Vulpes vulpes) and the turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) and eastern chipmunk (Tamias striatus) in the forest. Largely differences in the community resulted from a rich diversity of birds within the forested microhabitat. Our findings will help inform the landowner of unique species found on his property and better inform his forest management plan to promote a healthier wildlife population and reduce the risk of nuisance species that might increase disease risk (e.g., Lyme and other tick-borne illnesses)."
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Whiskers in the Storm: Exploring the Rollercoaster of Disturbances Impacting Small Mammal PopulationsOur understanding of how disturbances influence small mammal communities is vital given their role as seed predators and dispersers, intermediate hosts for disease vectors, and as prey for higher trophic levels. We must consider landscape-level disturbance, both natural and anthropogenic, as well as habitat management practices to ensure resilient ecosystems. Disturbances can negatively impact small mammal populations. Studies have shown that deforestation, urbanization and silvicultural practices (harvesting) can reduce diversity and abundances of small mammals in favor of the common deer (Peromyscus maniculatus) and white-footed mice (P. leucopus). In fall 2023, we conducted a small mammal survey across a gradient of disturbance, specifically wildfire (Altona Flat Rock 2018), silviculture (harvesting in Ellenburg Depot), and urbanization (City of Plattsburgh industrial park) and paired these sites with adjacent undisturbed reference sites in northern NY. We hypothesized that there would be greater diversity and abundances in small mammal populations at the undisturbed sites. To test this hypothesis, we performed weekly monitoring of Sherman traplines in all sites and performed mark recapture, as well as collected metrics such as weight, gender, and body and tail length. The greatest abundance of small mammals was found within the silviculture harvested site. Long-term monitoring at the Altona Flat Rock suggests that small mammal abundance has been declining since the 2018 wildfire. A species common to all sites was Peromyscus sp., a red-backed vole (Myodes rutilus) and an eastern chipmunk (Tamias striatus) were found in the unharvested and unburned sites, respectively. No animals were present at the urban disturbed site. There was a significant difference in weight among Peromyscus sp. across sites, but not length indicating differences in habitat quality. Apart from the urban site, all disturbed sites possessed the greatest small mammal abundance and their paired undisturbed sites the greatest diversity. There are additional explanations for these results besides disturbance, in particular regional tree masting cycles, which provide a reliable seed source for granivores could be contributing. Understanding how disturbances affect small mammals is essential for biodiversity conservation. Monitoring small mammals can provide early warnings about environmental issues and disturbances, helping researchers and conservationists respond to potential problem.
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Palatable Plastics: Assessment of Microplastic Abundance in Pelagic Fish of the Saranac River, NY"Microplastics have plagued fish communities since the inception of industrialization and regulations have not been keeping pace. Microplastics are defined as particulates less than 5mm in size and are characterized by type (e.g., fragment, fiber, film, foam, bead, and nurdle/pellet), color, polymer, and size. Fish uptake particulates via ingestion, gill adhesion, and absorption. These microplastics have the potential to adsorb additional chemicals and toxins, further reducing reproduction, feeding, and survival. We conducted a survey of microplastics in fish of the Saranac River, New York using the traditional hook and line method to simulate common recreational angling practices. Fish were sampled above and below impoundments (e.g., Imperial Dam, Plattsburgh and Cadyville Dam, Cadyville, NY) and only fish that met New York state fishing regulations for capture were kept for microplastic analysis. Wet peroxide oxidation was used to isolate microplastics within digestive tracts and samples were then size separated (e.g., 1mm, 355um, 125um). Particulate was quantified and characterized under a dissecting microscope. Fish generally had higher microplastic burdens below impoundments, specifically 5.22 and 2.58 particles per gram in their stomachs and intestines, respectively. Fish captured above impoundments had 2.56 and 1.74 particles per gram in their stomach and intestines, respectively. The most prevalent particulate size was 125 microns, the smallest of size classes. Fibers were 97 and 99% prevalent above and below impoundments, respectively and were largely blue in color. With the traditional hook and line method becoming ever more popular in recent years, it is imperative that anglers understand the microplastic pollution risks associated with their catches and offers an opportunity for community efforts to reduce our dependencies on plastic. "
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WHO’S There?: Barred Owl (Strix varia) Urban or Rural LivingUrbanization has been shown to have long-term impacts on wildlife behavior. New York state is home to 10 different owl species, only five species are commonly found in the North Country. Land-use change has been a major threat to owl populations, specifically the conversion of forests to agriculture and development has displaced wildlife and poses threats to long-term population persistence. Barred owls (Strix varia) have historically inhabited mixed hardwood deciduous forests with sparse clearings in proximity to wetlands. The goal of this survey was to determine the effects of urbanization on the diversity of owl communities using acoustic detection. We predicted that owls would prefer less-developed rural forests over urban sites. Using a Bluetooth speaker paired to our smartphone’s Audubon’s Merlin application, we played owl calls and recorded responses. Owl survey sites were buffered by 800m and percent land-cover was extracted for all sites. Aural (n=3) and visual (n=1) detections of barred owls occurred only at the rural sites with mixed hardwood forest and proximity to wetlands during the near full moon phase with conditions of limited wind. Forested wetlands are considered more favorable for nesting, hunting and mating. Urbanization influences the health, survival, and behavior of raptors. Development impacts avifauna in species-specific ways. The nocturnal behavior of owls makes them particularly important subjects for studies associated with urban light and noise pollution. As top predators, owls regulate prey populations and contribute to the overall health of ecosystems and continued long-term monitoring is encouraged.
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Bats: City Slickers or Country Bumpkins?New York state is home to 9 bat species which all play a major role in ecosystems, such as with pollination and seed dispersal. They are often categorized into two categories based on their roosting behaviors within caves or trees. Other habitat attributes such as canopy cover and access to waterbodies also determine their regional abundance. Human encroachment of natural habitat has led to bat populations establishing colonies in artificial structures. The exact diversity of bat populations that exist within human settlements, particularly between rural and urban developments, is not well understood. To better understand these diversity differences, we evaluated the presence of bat species in northeastern New York along a developed urban and rural route. We hypothesized that the rural habitat would have a higher bat species richness, diversity, and frequency of detections. Using the Echo Meter Touch 2, a ultrasonic frequency detector, we identified bat calls along two separate routes, specifically an urban and rural site. We then spatially analyzed bat locations in ArcGIS and extracted canopy cover and habitat types within 200m of each location. We detected a total of 24 bats, with 11 and 13 along the urban and rural routes respectively. Bat communities were 80% similar with 4 shared species and two unique urban species. The most frequently detected bat was the hoary bat (Lasiurus cinereus), with a total of 11 detections. These results suggest that many of the bat species in northeastern NY have been successfully adapting to anthropogenic development. As research continues, it will be important to survey long-term and during seasons when they are most active. Given the threats of disease white nose fungus (Pseudogymnoascus destructans) and climate change, it is essential that monitoring efforts such as this be supported among state agencies and citizen scientists.